The oldest part of Ischia di Castro, the current historic centre, is situated on a tuff cliff at the confluence of two streams, a location indicating its Etruscan origin.
The historic centre, which is accessed through the Clock Tower, preserves the typical appearance of a medieval village, with sturdy gates, partially preserved walls, houses leaning against each other, and the Farnese Fortress, one of the oldest residences of the family.
It is in the middle of a highly visited archaeological area: romantically surrounded by lush vegetation, the ruins of Castro emerge, the capital of the ephemeral Farnese duchy, which flourished in the first half of the sixteenth century and was razed to the ground in 1649 by the troops of Innocent X. In an unattended area 10 km from the village, the Etruscan necropolis of Castro preserves the half-cube monumental tomb from the sixth century, whose sculptural decorations can be admired in the Civic Museum of Ischia di Castro, and the Tomb of the Biga, so called by the discovery inside of an Etruscan parade chariot.
Not to be missed is the Hermitage of Poggio Conte, hidden in the tuff ridge, reachable through a very suggestive path: inside, numerous paintings and a monastic atmosphere of silence and mysticism.
The DOP Canino Olive Oil, DOC Colli Etruschi Viterbesi wine and the excellent DOP Tuscan Pecorino are specialities for demanding palates.
Among the most evocative events, do not miss the Representation of the Passion of Christ on Good Friday, the Patronal Feast of Saint Ermete with the Joust of the Cockerel on August 28th, and the Patronal Feast of Madonna del Giglio on September 8th.